U.S. patent application number 11/120628 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for delivery of navigation data for playback of audio and video content.
Invention is credited to Jarman, Matthew.
Application Number | 20050223013 11/120628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24791564 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050223013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jarman, Matthew |
October 6, 2005 |
Delivery of navigation data for playback of audio and video
content
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention a filtering process is
based on the output side of a multimedia decoder. A navigator,
located at a server system, monitors the current play position of
multimedia content at a consumer system and compares that position
with navigation objects. Each navigation object defines a start
position, a stop position, and a filtering action to perform on the
portion of the multimedia content that begins at the start position
and ends at the stop position. When the current play position falls
within the portion of multimedia content defined by a particular
navigation object, the navigator sends the filtering action to the
consumer system for processing. Filtering actions include skipping,
muting, reframing, etc., the portion of multimedia content defined
by a navigation object. Alternatively, the navigator may be located
at a consumer system and the server system may provide access to
the navigation objects (e.g. download) so that the consumer system
monitors and filters the multimedia content based on the received
navigation objects. A variety of systems may be used to implement
the present invention, such as computer systems (consumer and
server), television systems, and audio systems.
Inventors: |
Jarman, Matthew; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Family ID: |
24791564 |
Appl. No.: |
11/120628 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11120628 |
May 3, 2005 |
|
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09695102 |
Oct 23, 2000 |
|
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6889383 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ; 348/E5.002;
707/999.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/44204 20130101;
H04N 21/4542 20130101; G11B 2220/2562 20130101; H04N 21/4396
20130101; H04N 21/4318 20130101; H04N 21/4135 20130101; G11B 27/105
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/010 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/30 |
Claims
1. In a server system linked to a consumer system through a
communication link, wherein the consumer system includes a
processor, a memory, a decoder, and an output device for playing
multimedia content, and wherein the server system enables the
consumer system to filter multimedia content that is comprised of
video content, audio content, or both, a method of assisting the
consumer system to automatically identify portions of the
multimedia content that are to be filtered and to thereafter
automatically filter the identified portions, the method comprising
the server system performing the acts of: obtaining a plurality of
navigation objects which can be loaded into a memory of the
consumer system, each navigation object defining a portion of the
multimedia content that is to be filtered by defining a start
position, a stop position, and a specific filtering action to be
performed on the portion of the multimedia content defined by the
start and stop positions for that portion; receiving a request for
one or more navigation objects from the consumer system, the
request identifying the multimedia content to be played at the
consumer system; in response to the request, retrieving one or more
navigation objects; sending the one or more navigation objects to
the consumer system for processing; whereby the consumer system is
adapted to filter the multimedia content by activating the
filtering action for each portion of the multimedia content defined
by the start and stop positions of each navigation object; and
whereby the consumer system is adapted to disable at least one of
the plurality of navigation objects such that the filtering action
specified by the at least one of the plurality of navigation
objects is ignored.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation
patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/695,102,
filed on Oct. 23, 2000, and entitled "Delivery of Navigation Data
for Playback of Audio and Video Content", the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to filtering multimedia
content. More specifically, the present invention relates to
methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically
identifying and filtering portions of multimedia content during the
decoding process.
[0004] 2. The Prior State of the Art
[0005] Often, movies and other multimedia content contain scenes or
language that are unsuitable for viewers of some ages. To help
consumers determine whether a particular movie is appropriate for
an audience of a given age, the Motion Picture Association of
America ("MPAA") has developed the now familiar NC-17/R/PG-13/PG/G
rating system. Other organizations have developed similar rating
systems for other types of multimedia content, such as television
programming, computer software, video games, and music.
[0006] Both the quantity and context of potentially objectionable
material are significant factors in assigning multimedia content a
rating. However, a relatively small amount of mature-focused
subject matter may be sufficient to remove multimedia content from
a rating category recommended for younger children. For example, in
a motion picture setting, a single scene of particularly explicit
violence, sexuality, or language may require an "R" rating for what
would otherwise be a "PG" or "PG-13" movie. As a result, even if an
"R" rated motion picture has a general public appeal, individuals
trying to avoid "R" rated content, and teenagers restricted by the
"R" rating, may choose not to view a motion picture that they would
otherwise desire to view if it were not for the inclusion of the
explicit scene.
[0007] Many consumers may prefer an alternate version of the
multimedia content, such as a version that has been modified to
make the content more suitable for all ages. To provide modified
versions of multimedia works, the prior art has focused on
manipulating the multimedia source. The details of how multimedia
content is modified depends largely on the type of access the
source media supports. For linear access media, such as videotape
or audiotape, undesired content is edited from the tape and the
remaining ends are spliced back together. The process is repeated
for each portion of undesired content the multimedia source
contains. Due to the need for specialized tools and expertise, it
is impractical for individual consumers to perform this type of
editing. While third parties could perform this editing to modify
content on a consumer's behalf, the process is highly inefficient
because it requires physically handling and repeating the editing
for each individual tape.
[0008] Modifying direct access media, such as DVD, also has focused
on modifying the multimedia source. Unlike linear media, direct
access media allows for accessing any arbitrary portion of the
multimedia content in roughly the same amount of time as any other
arbitrary portion of the multimedia content. Direct access media
allows for the creation and distribution of multiple versions of
multimedia content, including versions that may be suitable to most
ages, and storing the versions on a single medium. The decoding
process creates various continuous multimedia streams by
identifying, selecting, retrieving and transmitting content
segments from a number of available segments stored on the content
source.
[0009] To help in explaining the prior art for creating multiple
versions of a multimedia work on a single source, a high-level
description of the basic components found in a system for
presenting multimedia content may be useful. Typically, such
systems include a multimedia source, a decoder, and an output
device. The decoder is a translator between the format used to
store or transmit the multimedia content and the format used for
intermediate processing and ultimately presenting the multimedia
content at the output device. For example, multimedia content may
be encrypted to prevent piracy and compressed to conserve storage
space or bandwidth. Prior to presentation, the multimedia content
must be decrypted and/or uncompressed, operations usually performed
by the decoder.
[0010] The prior art teaches creation and distribution of multiple
versions of a direct access multimedia work on a single storage
medium by breaking the multimedia content into various segments and
including alternate interchangeable segments where appropriate.
Each individually accessible segment is rated and labeled based on
the content it contains, considering such factors as subject
matter, context, and explicitness. One or more indexes of the
segments are created for presenting each of the multiple versions
of the multimedia content. For example, one index may reference
segments that would be considered a "PG" version of the multimedia
whereas another index may reference segments that would be
considered an "R" version of the content. Alternatively, the
segments themselves or a single index may include a rating that is
compared to a rating selected by a user.
[0011] There are a variety of benefits to the prior art's indexing
of interchangeable segments to provide for multiple versions of a
multimedia work on a single storage medium. Use of storage space
can be optimized because segments common to the multiple versions
need only be stored once. Consumers may be given the option of
setting their own level of tolerance for specific subject matter
and the different multimedia versions may contain alternate
segments with varying levels of explicitness. The inclusion of
segment indexing on the content source also enables the seamless
playback of selected segments (i.e., without gaps and pauses) when
used in conjunction with a buffer. Seamless playback is achieved by
providing the segment index on the content source, thus governing
the selection and ordering of the interchangeable segments prior to
the data entering the buffer.
[0012] The use of a buffer compensates for latency that may be
experienced in reading from different physical areas of direct
access media. While read mechanisms are moved from one disc
location to another, no reading of the requested content from the
direct access media occurs. This is a problem because, as a general
rule, the playback rate for multimedia content exceeds the access
rate by a fairly significant margin. For example, a playback rate
of 30 frames per second is common for multimedia content.
Therefore, a random access must take less than {fraction (1/30)}th
of a second (approximately 33 milliseconds) or the random access
will result in a pause during playback while the reading mechanism
moves to the next start point. A typical 16x DVD drive for a
personal computer, however, has an average access rate of
approximately 95 milliseconds, nearly three times the 33
milliseconds allowed for seamless playback. Moreover, according to
a standard of the National Television Standards Committee ("NTSC"),
only 5 to 6 milliseconds are allowed between painting the last
pixel of one frame and painting the first pixel of the next frame.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that the above
calculations are exemplary of the time constraints involved in
reading multimedia content from direct access media for output to a
PC or television, even though no time is allotted to decoding the
multimedia content after it has been read, time that would need to
be added to the access time for more precise latency
calculations.
[0013] Once access occurs, DVD drives are capable of reading
multimedia content from a DVD at a rate that exceeds the playback
rate. To address access latency, the DVD specification teaches
reading multimedia content into a track buffer. The track buffer
size and amount of multimedia content that must be read into the
track buffer depend on several factors, including the factors
described above, such as access time, decoding time, playback rate,
etc. When stored on a DVD, a segment index, as taught in the prior
art, with corresponding navigation commands, identifies and orders
the content segments to be read into the track buffer, enabling
seamless playback of multiple version of the multimedia content.
However, segment indexes that are external to the content source
are unable to completely control the navigation commands within the
initial segment identification/selection/retrieval process since
external indexes can interact with position codes only available at
the end of the decoding process. As a result, external segment
indexes may be unable to use the DVD track buffer in addressing
access latency as taught in the prior art.
[0014] As an alternative to buffering, segments from separate
versions of multimedia content may be interlaced. This allows for
essentially sequential reading of the media, with unwanted segments
being read and discarded or skipped. The skips, however, represent
relatively small movements of the read mechanism. Generally, small
movements involve a much shorter access time than large movements
and therefore introduce only minimal latency.
[0015] Nevertheless, the prior art for including multiple versions
of a multimedia work on a single direct access media suffers from
several practical limitations that prevent it from wide-spread use.
One significant problem is that content producers must be willing
to create and broadly distribute multiple versions of the
multimedia work and accommodate any additional production efforts
in organizing and labeling the content segments, including
interchangeable segments, for use with the segment indexes or maps.
The indexes, in combination with the corresponding segments, define
a work and are stored directly on the source media at the time the
media is produced. In short, while the prior art offers a tool for
authoring multiple versions of a multimedia work, that tool is not
useful in and of itself to consumers.
[0016] A further problem in the prior art is that existing encoding
technologies must be licensed in order to integrate segment indexes
on a direct access storage medium and decoding technologies must be
licensed to create a decoder that uses the segment indexes on a
multimedia work to seamlessly playback multiple versions stored on
the direct access medium. In the case of DVD, the Motion Pictures
Entertainment Group ("MPEG") controls the compression technology
for encoding and decoding multimedia files. Furthermore, because
producers of multimedia content generally want to prevent
unauthorized copies of their multimedia work, they also employ copy
protection technologies. The most common copy protection
technologies for DVD media are controlled by the DVD Copy Control
Association ("DVD CCA"), which controls the licensing of their
Content Scramble System technology ("CSS"). Decoder developers
license the relevant MPEG and CSS technology under fairly strict
agreements that dictate how the technology may be used. In short,
the time and cost associated with licensing existing compression
and copy protection technologies or developing proprietary
compression and copy protection technologies may be significant
costs, prohibitive to the wide-spread use of the prior art's
segment indexing for providing multiple versions of a multimedia
work on a single direct access storage medium.
[0017] Additionally, the teachings of the prior art do not provide
a solution for filtering direct access multimedia content that has
already been duplicated and distributed without regard to
presenting the content in a manner that is more suitable for most
ages. At the time of filing this patent application, over 5000
multimedia titles have been released on DVD without using the
multiple version technology of the prior art to provide customers
the ability to view and hear alternate versions of the content in a
manner that is more suitable for most ages.
[0018] The prior art also has taught that audio portions of
multimedia content may be identified and filtered during the
decoding process by examining the closed caption information for
the audio stream and muting the volume during segments of the
stream that contain words matching with a predetermined set of
words that are considered unsuitable for most ages. This art is
limited in its application since it cannot identify and filter
video segments and since it can only function with audio streams
that contain closed captioning information. Furthermore, filtering
audio content based on closed captioning information is imprecise
due to poor synchronization between closed captioning information
and the corresponding audio content.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] These and other problems with the prior art are overcome by
the present invention, which is directed toward automatically
identifying and filtering portions of multimedia content during the
decoding process. As taught in the prior state of the art, the
technology for presenting original multimedia content that is
suitable for most ages has been concentrated on altering the
multimedia at its source. Unlike the prior art's control of the
input or source side of a decoder, the present invention permits
filtering multimedia content at the output side of a decoder. As a
result, the present invention may be practiced without necessarily
imposing any particular requirements on the source of the
multimedia content.
[0020] The present invention includes the creation of navigation
objects to define portions of the multimedia content that should be
filtered. Each navigation object contains a start position, a stop
position, and a filtering action to be performed on the portion of
the multimedia content that is defined by the start position and
stop position. The navigation objects are placed in an object
store. There is no particular limitation on the format of the
navigation objects and the object store. For example, the object
store may be a file, such as a database and the navigation objects
may be records within the database.
[0021] Navigator software, located at a server system, reads
navigation objects from the object store and monitors a consumer
system decoder for the current position code of the multimedia as
the multimedia content is being decoded. For DVD multimedia, the
position code may be a time code that identifies portions of the
multimedia content by hours, minutes, seconds, and frame number.
The position code is compared against the start and stop positions
defined in each navigation object. When playback reaches a portion
of the multimedia defined by a particular navigation object, the
navigator sends to the consumer system the filtering action
assigned to that navigation object. Alternatively, the navigator
may be located at a consumer system and the server system may
provide access to the navigation objects (e.g. download) so that
the consumer system monitors and filters the multimedia content
based on the received navigation objects.
[0022] For example, one type of filtering action is a skip. When
the navigator determines that the time code for the multimedia
content currently being decoded has reached the start position of a
navigation object with a skip filtering action, the navigator
instructs the decoder to discontinue decoding at the current
multimedia position and to resume decoding at the stop position of
the navigation object. By discontinuing the decoding process at the
start position of the navigation object and resuming the decoding
process at the stop position of the navigation object, the portion
of the multimedia content defined by the start and stop positions
of the multimedia content is never decoded and as a result is never
transferred to a multimedia output device, such as a video display.
In some cases, the navigator may not begin accessing the stop
position to resume the decoding process until after determining
that the start position for discontinuing decoding has been
accessed, preventing the Navigator from using a read buffer to
compensate for the access time required in moving the read
mechanism from the start position to the stop position where
decoding will resume.
[0023] Mute is another type of filtering action. When the navigator
determines that the time code for the multimedia content currently
being decoded has reached the start position of a navigation object
with a mute filtering action, the navigator suppresses the audio
decoding. Suppressing audio decoding may be accomplished by setting
the volume of the multimedia content to be inaudible. Muting
continues until the navigator determines that the time code for the
multimedia content then being decoded reaches the stop position
defined in the navigation object. Once the stop position has been
reached, the volume is returned the level in effect prior to the
navigator activating the mute filtering action. Unlike the skip
action, the muted portion of the multimedia content is decoded and
may be transferred to an output device such as speaker, but with
the volume set to be inaudible or with the audio decoding
suppressed in some other way, the muted portion is effectively
filtered from the multimedia content.
[0024] A further type of filtering action is a reframe. In cases
where the visual information presented to the viewer only contains
unsuitable material in a certain physical area of a scene, the
multimedia content can be enlarged if needed and then positioned in
the viewing frame in a manner that effectively crops the
objectionable information from view. The sizing and framing can be
adjusted during the reframe action to continually crop the
objectionable material from view. When the navigator determines
that the position code for the multimedia content currently being
decoded has reached the end position of a reframe navigation
object, the navigator instructs the current multimedia to resume to
the original framing. For example, if the multimedia includes a
head to toe shot of a person with a bloody leg wound, the content
can be resized and reframed to show only a head to waist shot.
[0025] Depending on the multimedia content, some editing actions
may produce more noticeable discontinuities, irregularities, or
artifacts than others. To reduce a user's perception of potential
artifacts, incremental editing actions or editing actions with an
incremental component provide for gradual transitions before and/or
after an editing action. For example, the display of video content
may fade from normal to blank prior to a skip editing action and,
after the editing action, from blank back to normal. Similarly,
muting actions may fade audio volume in and out to insure smooth
transitions for editing actions. As used in this application,
editing actions should be interpreted broadly to encompass all
types of actions that may be useful in editing multimedia content,
including incremental editing actions that are either separate from
or combined with other editing actions.
[0026] Depending on the multimedia content, some filtering actions
may produce more noticeable discontinuities, irregularities, or
artifacts than others. To reduce a user's perception of potential
artifacts, incremental filtering actions or filtering actions with
an incremental component provide for gradual transitions before
and/or after a filtering action. For example, the display of video
content may fade from normal to blank prior to a skip filtering
action and, after the filtering action, from blank back to normal.
Similarly, muting actions may fade audio volume in and out to
insure smooth transitions for filtering actions. As used in this
application, filtering actions should be interpreted broadly to
encompass all types of actions that may be useful in filtering
multimedia content, including incremental filtering actions that
are either separate from or combined with other filtering
actions.
[0027] The present invention may be practiced in a variety of
computerized systems, including servers, personal computers,
television systems, and audio systems. A typical system for a
personal computer includes a DVD drive with decoding hardware
and/or software, navigator software with navigation objects for a
particular DVD title, a computer display for video output, and
speakers for audio output. For television systems with a
conventional DVD player and television set, the navigator software
and navigation objects may be stored in a remote control device
that communicates with the DVD player and television set over a
traditional infrared channel. Alternatively, the television system
may include a DVD player that includes the navigator software and
navigation object store.
[0028] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of
the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other
features of the present invention will become more fully apparent
from the following description and appended claims, or may be
learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained,
a more particular description of the invention briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and
are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system that provides a
suitable operating environment for the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is high-level block diagram showing the basic
components of a system embodying the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, are block diagrams of three systems
that provide greater detail for the basic components shown in FIG.
2;
[0033] FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 7, are flowcharts depicting exemplary
methods for filtering multimedia content according to the present
invention;
[0034] FIGS. 4B and 5B illustrate navigation objects in relation to
mocked-up position codes for multimedia content; and
[0035] FIG. 6 is a flowchart portraying a method used in
customizing the filtering of multimedia content.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The present invention extends to methods, systems, and
computer program products for automatically identifying and
filtering portions of multimedia content during the decoding
process. The embodiments of the present invention may comprise a
special purpose or general purpose computer including various
computer hardware, a television system, an audio system, and/or
combinations of the foregoing. These embodiments are discussed in
greater detail below. However, in all cases, the described
embodiments should be viewed a exemplary of the present invention
rather than as limiting it's scope.
[0037] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also
include computer-readable media for carrying or having
computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such computer-readable media may be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way
of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can
comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program
code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer. When information is transferred or
provided over a network or another communications link or
connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of
hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views
the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such a
connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.
Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope
of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions
comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general
purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose
processing device to perform a certain function or group of
functions.
[0038] FIG. 1 and the following discussion are intended to provide
a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in
which the invention may be implemented. Although not required, the
invention will be described in the general context of
computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being
executed by computers in network environments. Generally, program
modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data
structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions,
associated data structures, and program modules represent examples
of the program code means for executing steps of the methods
disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable
instructions or associated data structures represent examples of
corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such
steps. Furthermore, program code means being executed by a
processing unit provides one example of a processor means.
[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
may be practiced in network computing environments with many types
of computer system configurations, including personal computers,
hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked
(either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of
hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a
distributed computing environment, program modules may be located
in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system for
implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing
device in the form of a conventional computer 120, including a
processing unit 121, a system memory 122, and a system bus 123 that
couples various system components including the system memory 122
to the processing unit 121. The system bus 123 may be any of
several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a
variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read only
memory (ROM) 124 and random access memory (RAM) 125. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) 126, containing the basic routines that
help transfer information between elements within the computer 120,
such as during start-up, may be stored in ROM 124.
[0041] The computer 120 may also include a magnetic hard disk drive
127 for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk 139, a
magnetic disk drive 128 for reading from or writing to a removable
magnetic disk 129, and an optical disk drive 130 for reading from
or writing to removable optical disk 131 such as a CD-ROM or other
optical media. The magnetic hard disk drive 127, magnetic disk
drive 128, and optical disk drive 130 are connected to the system
bus 123 by a hard disk drive interface 132, a magnetic disk
drive-interface 133, and an optical drive interface 134,
respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable
media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable
instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for
the computer 120. Although the exemplary environment described
herein employs a magnetic hard disk 139, a removable magnetic disk
129 and a removable optical disk 131, other types of computer
readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic
cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli
cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like.
[0042] Program code means comprising one or more program modules
may be stored on the hard disk 139, magnetic disk 129, optical disk
131, ROM 124 or RAM 125, including an operating system 135, one or
more application programs 136, other program modules 137, and
program data 138. A user may enter commands and information into
the computer 120 through keyboard 140, pointing device 142, or
other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, joy stick,
game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other
input devices are often connected to the processing unit 121
through a serial port interface 146 coupled to system bus 123.
Alternatively, the input devices may be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port or a universal
serial bus (USB). A monitor 147 or another display device is also
connected to system bus 123 via an interface, such as video adapter
148. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically
include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as
speakers and printers.
[0043] The computer 120 may operate in a networked environment
using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as
remote computers 149a and 149b. Remote computers 149a and 149b may
each be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network
PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically
include many or all of the elements described above relative to the
computer 120, although only memory storage devices 150a and 150b
and their associated application programs 136a and 136b have been
illustrated in FIG. 1. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 1
include a local area network (LAN) 151 and a wide area network
(WAN) 152 that are presented here by way of example and not
limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace in
office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the
Internet.
[0044] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 120
is connected to the local network 151 through a network interface
or adapter 153. When used in a WAN networking environment, the
computer 120 may include a modem 154, a wireless link, or other
means for establishing communications over the wide area network
152, such as the Internet. The modem 154, which may be internal or
external, is connected to the system bus 123 via the serial port
interface 146. In a networked environment, program modules depicted
relative to the computer 120, or portions thereof, may be stored in
the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the
network connections shown are exemplary and other means of
establishing communications over wide area network 152 may be
used.
[0045] Turning next to FIG. 2, a high-level block diagram
identifying the basic components of a system for filtering
multimedia content are shown. The basic components include content
source 230, decoders 250, navigator 210, and output device 270.
Content source 230 provides multimedia to decoder 250 for decoding,
navigator 210 controls decoder 250 so that filtered content does
not reach output device 270, and output device 270 plays the
multimedia content it receives. As used in this application, the
term "multimedia" should be interpreted broadly to include audio
content, video content, or both.
[0046] The present invention does not require a particular content
source 230. Any data source that is capable of providing multimedia
content, such as a DVD, a CD, a memory, a hard disk, a removable
disk, a tape cartridge, and virtually all other types of magnetic
or optical media may operate as content source 230. Those of skill
in the art will recognize that the above media includes read-only,
read/write, and write-once varieties, whether stored in an analog
or digital format. All necessary hardware and software for
accessing these media types are also part of content source 230.
Content source 230 as described above provides an example of
multimedia source means.
[0047] Multimedia source 230 generally provides encoded content.
Encoding represents a difference in the formats that are typically
used for storing or transmitting multimedia content and the formats
used for intermediate processing of the multimedia content.
Decoders 250 translate between the storage and intermediate
formats. For example, stored MPEG content is both compressed and
encrypted. Prior to being played at an output device, the stored
MPEG content is decrypted and uncompressed by decoders 250.
Decoders 250 may comprise hardware, software, or some combination
of hardware and software. Due to the large amount of data involved
in playing multimedia content, decoders 250 frequently have some
mechanism for transferring data directly to output device 270.
Decoders 250 are an exemplary embodiment of decoder means.
[0048] Output device 270 provides an example of output means for
playing multimedia content and should be interpreted to include any
device that is capable of playing multimedia content so that the
content may be perceived. For a computer system, like the one
described with reference to FIG. 1, output device 270 may include a
video card, a video display, an audio card, and speakers.
Alternatively, output device 270 may be a television or audio
system. Television systems and audio systems cover a wide range of
equipment. A simple audio system may comprise little more than an
amplifier and speakers. Likewise, a simple television system may be
a conventional television that includes one or more speakers and a
television screen. More sophisticated television and audio systems
may include audio and video receivers that perform sophisticated
processing of audio and video content to improve sound and picture
quality.
[0049] Output device 270 may comprise combinations of computer,
television, and audio systems. For example, home theaters represent
a combination audio and television systems. These systems typically
include multiple content sources, such as components for videotape,
audiotape, DVD, CD, cable and satellite connections, etc. Audio
and/or television systems also may be combined with computer
systems. Therefore, output device 270 should be construed as
including the foregoing audio, television, and computer systems
operating either individually, or in some combination. Furthermore,
when used in this application, computer system (whether for a
consumer or operating as a server), television system, and audio
system may identify a system's capabilities rather than its primary
or ordinary use. These capabilities are not necessarily exclusive
of one another. For example, a television playing music through its
speakers is properly considered an audio system because it is
capable of operating as an audio system. That the television
ordinarily operates as part of a television system does not
preclude it from operating as an audio system. As a result, terms
like consumer system, server system, television system, and audio
system, should be given their broadest possible interpretation to
include any system capable of operating in the identified
capacity.
[0050] Navigator 210 is software and/or hardware that control the
decoders 250 by determining if the content being decoded needs to
be filtered. Navigator 210 is one example of multimedia navigation
means. It should be emphasized that content source 230, decoders
250, output device 270, and navigator 210 have been drawn
separately only to aid in their description. Some embodiments may
combine content source 230, decoders 250, and navigator 210 into a
single set-top box for use with a television and/or audio system.
Similarly, a computer system may combine portions of decoder 250
with output device 270 and portions of decoder 250 with content
source 230. Many other embodiments are possible, and therefore, the
present invention imposes no requirement that these four components
must exist separately from each other. As such, the corresponding
multimedia source means, decoder means, output means, and
multimedia navigation means also need not exist separately from
each other and may be combined together as is appropriate for a
given embodiment of the present invention. It is also possible for
content source 230, decoders 250, output device 270, and/or
navigator 210 to be located remotely from each other and linked
together with a communication link.
[0051] As noted previously, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, are block
diagrams of three exemplary systems that provide greater detail for
the basic components shown in FIG. 2. However, the present
invention is not limited to any particular physical organization of
the components shown in FIG. 2. Those of skill in the art will
recognize that these basic components are subject to a wide-range
of embodiments, including a single physical device or several
physical devices. Therefore, FIG. 2 and all other figures should be
viewed as exemplary of embodiments according to the present
invention, rather than as restrictions on the present invention's
scope.
[0052] Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A includes navigator 310a, content
source 330a, audio and video decoders 350a, and output device 370a,
all located at consumer system 380a. Content source 330a includes
DVD 332a and DVD drive 334a. The bi-directional arrow between
content source 330a and audio and video decoders 350a indicates
that content source 330 provides multimedia content to audio and
video decoders 350a and that audio and video decoders 350a send
commands to content source 330a when performing filtering
operations.
[0053] Navigator 310a monitors decoders 350a by continuously
updating the time code of the multimedia content being decoded.
(Time codes are an example of positions used in identifying
portions of multimedia content. In the case of time codes,
positioning is based on an elapsed playing time from the start of
the content. For other applications, positions may relate to
physical quantities, such as the length of tape moving from one
spool to another in a videotape or audiotape. The present invention
does not necessarily require any particular type of positioning for
identifying portions of multimedia content.) In one embodiment, the
time code updates occur every 1/10th of a second, but the present
invention does not require any particular update interval. (The
description of FIGS. 4B and 5B provides some insight regarding
factors that should be considered in selecting an appropriate
update interval.)
[0054] Communication between Navigator 310a and audio and video
decoders 350a occurs through a vendor independent interface 352a.
The vendor independent interface 352a allows navigator 310a to use
the same commands for a number of different content sources.
Microsoft's.RTM. DirectX.RTM. is a set of application programming
interfaces that provides a vendor independent interface for content
sources 330a in computer systems running a variety of Microsoft
operating systems. Audio and video decoders 350a receive commands
through vendor independent interface 352a and issue the proper
commands for the specific content source 330a.
[0055] Audio and video decoders 350a provide audio content and
video content to output device 370a. Output device 370a includes
graphics adapter 374a, video display 372a, audio adaptor 376a, and
speakers 378a. Video display 372a may be any device capable of
displaying video content, regardless of format, including a
computer display device, a television screen, etc.
[0056] Usually, graphics adaptors and audio adaptors provide some
decoding technology so that the amount of data moving between
content source 330a and output device 370a is minimized. Graphics
adaptors and audio adaptors also provide additional processing for
translating multimedia content from the intermediate processing
format to a format more suitable for display and audio playback.
For example, many graphics adaptors offer video acceleration
technology to enhance display speeds by offloading processing tasks
from other system components. In the case of graphics and audio
adaptors, the actual transition between decoders 350a and output
device 370a may be a somewhat fuzzy. To the extent graphics adaptor
374a and audio adapter 376a perform decoding, portions of those
adaptors may be properly construed as part of decoders 350a.
[0057] Navigator 310a includes navigation software 312a and object
store 316a. Bi-directional arrow 314a indicates the flow of data
between navigation software 312a and object store 316a. Object
store 316a contains a plurality of navigation objects 320a. Within
object store 316a, navigation objects may be stored as individual
files that are specific to particular multimedia content, they may
be stored in one or more common databases, or some other data
management system may be used. The present invention does not
impose any limitation on how navigation objects are stored in
object store 316a.
[0058] Each navigation object 320a defines when (start 321a and
stop 323a) an filtering action (325a) should occur for a particular
system (329a) and provides a description (327a) of why the
navigation object was created. Start and stop positions (321a and
323a) are stored as time codes, in hours:minutes:seconds:frame
format; actions may be either skip or mute (325a); the description
is a text field (327a); and configuration is an identifier (329a)
used to determine if navigation object 320a applies to a particular
consumer system 380b. The values indicate that the start position
321a is 00:30:10:15; stop position 323a is 00:30:15:00; the
filtering action 325a is skip; the description 327a is "scene of
bloodshed" and the configuration 329a is 2.1. More detail regarding
navigation objects, such as navigation object 320a, will be
provided with reference to FIGS. 4B and 5B.
[0059] As navigator 310a monitors audio and video decoders 350a for
the time code of the multimedia content currently being decoded,
the time code is compared to the navigation objects in object store
316a. When the position code falls within the start and stop
positions defined by a navigation object, navigator 310a activates
the filtering action assigned to the navigation object. For
navigation object 320a, a time code within the approximately
four-second range of 00:30:10:15-00:30:15:00 result in navigator
310a issuing a command to audio and video decoders 350a to skip to
the end of the range so that the multimedia content within the
range is not decoded and is not given to output device 370a. The
process of filtering multimedia content will be described in more
detail with reference to FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6, and 7.
[0060] As in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B includes a content source 330b, audio
and video decoders 350b, and output device 370b. In FIG. 3B,
however, object store 316b is located at server system 390b, and
all other components are located at consumer system 380b. As shown
by start 321b, stop 323b, action 325b, description 327b, and
configuration 329b, the contents of navigation object 320b remain
unchanged.
[0061] Content source 330b, including DVD drive 334b and DVD 332b,
have been combined with audio and video decoders 350b, vendor
independent interface 352b, and navigation software 312b into a
single device. Communication between navigation software 312b and
object store 316b occurs over communication link 314b.
Communication link 314b is an example of communication means and
should be interpreted to include any communication link for
exchanging data between computerized systems. The particular
communication protocols for implementing communication link 314b
will vary from one embodiment to another. In FIG. 3B, at least a
portion of communication link 314b may include the Internet.
[0062] Output device 370b includes a television 372b with video
input 374b and an audio receiver 377b with an audio input 376b.
Audio receiver 377b is connected to speakers 378b. As noted
earlier, the sophistication and complexity of output device 370b
depends on the implementation of a particular embodiment. As shown,
output device 370b is relatively simple, but a variety of
components, such as video and audio receivers, amplifiers,
additional speakers, etc., may be added without departing from the
present invention. Furthermore, it is not necessary that output
device 370b include both video and audio components. If multimedia
content includes only audio content, the video components are not
needed. Likewise, if the multimedia content includes only video
data, the audio components of output device 370b may be
eliminated.
[0063] Moving next to FIG. 3C, navigator 310c, content source 330c,
audio and video decoders 350c, and output device 370c are all
present. Like FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C includes a server/remote system 390c
and a consumer system 380c. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C,
navigator 310C is located at server/remote system 390c and content
source 330c, audio and video decoders 350c, and output device 370c
are located at the consumer system 380c.
[0064] Navigator 310c includes server navigation software 312c and
object store 316c, with data being exchanged as bi-directional
arrow 314c indicates. Start 321c, stop 323c, action 325c,
description 327c, and configuration 329c, show that the contents of
navigation object 320c remain unchanged from navigation objects
320b and 320a (FIGS. 3B and 3A). Content source 330c includes DVD
drive 334c and DVD 332c, and output device 370c includes graphics
adaptor 374c, video display 372c, audio adapter 376c, and speakers
378c. Because content source 330c and output device 370c are
identical to the corresponding elements in FIG. 3A, their
descriptions will not be repeated here.
[0065] In contrast to FIG. 3A, client navigator software 354c had
been added to audio and video decoders 350c and vendor independent
interface 352c. Client navigator software 354c supports
communication between navigation software 312c and vendor
independent interface 352c through communication link 356c. In some
embodiments, no client navigator software 354c will be necessary
whereas in other embodiments, some type of communication interface
supporting communication link 356c may be necessary. For example,
suppose consumer system 380c is a personal computer, server/remote
system 390c is a server computer, and at least a portion of
communication link 356c includes the Internet. Client navigator
software 354c may be helpful in establishing communication link
356c and in passing information between consumer system 380c and
server/remote system 390c.
[0066] Now, suppose content source 330c and audio and video
decoders 350c are combined as in a conventional DVD player.
Server/remote system 390c may be embodied in a remote control unit
that controls the operation of the DVD player over an infrared or
other communication channel. Neither client navigator software 354c
nor vendor independent interface 352c may be needed for this case
because server/remote system 390c is capable of direct
communication with the DVD player and the DVD player assumes
responsibility for controlling audio and video decoders 350c.
[0067] Several exemplary methods of operation for the present
invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts
illustrated by FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6, and 7, in connection with the
mocked-up position codes and navigation objects presented in FIGS.
4B and 5B. FIG. 4A shows a sample method for filtering multimedia
content according to the present invention. Although FIGS. 4A, 5A,
6, and 7 show the method as a sequence of events, the present
invention is not necessarily limited to any particular ordering.
Because the methods may be practiced in both consumer and server
systems, parentheses have been used to identify information that is
usually specific to a server.
[0068] Beginning with a consumer system, such as the one shown in
FIG. 3A, an object store may be part of a larger data storage. For
example, a separate object store may exist for multimedia content
stored on individual DVD titles. Because many object stores have
been created, at block 412 the multimedia content title is
retrieved from the content source. Alternatively, a single object
store may contain navigation objects corresponding to more than one
DVD title. At block 414, with the title identifier, the object
store and corresponding navigation objects that are specific to a
particular DVD title are selected. (Receive fee, block 416, will be
described later, with reference to a server system.) At block 422,
the first navigation object for the DVD title identified at 412 is
retrieved.
[0069] Turning briefly to FIG. 4B, a navigation object is shown in
the context of multimedia content. Content positions 480 identify
various positions, labeled P4.sub.1, P4.sub.2, P4.sub.3, P4.sub.4,
P4.sub.5, P4.sub.6, and P4.sub.7, that are associated with the
multimedia content. The navigation object portion 490 of the
content begins at start 491 (P4.sub.2) and ends at stop 493
(P4.sub.6). Skip 495 is the filtering action assigned to the
navigation object and scene of bloodshed 497 is a text description
of the navigation object portion 490 of the multimedia content.
Configuration 499 identifies the hardware and software
configuration of a consumer system to which the navigation object
applies. For example, configuration 499 may include the make,
model, and software revisions for the consumer's computer, DVD
drive, graphics card, sound card, and may further identify the DVD
decoder and the consumer computer's motherboard.
[0070] The motivation behind configuration 499 is that different
consumer systems may introduce variations in how navigation objects
are processed. As those variations are identified, navigation
objects may be customized for a particular consumer system without
impacting other consumer systems. The configuration identifier may
be generated according to any scheme for tracking versions of
objects. In FIG. 4B, the configuration identifier includes a major
and minor revision, separated by a period.
[0071] Returning now to FIG. 4A, a navigation object as described
above has been retrieved at block 422. Decision block 424
determines whether the configuration identifier of the navigation
object matches the configuration of the consumer system. Matching
does not necessarily require exact equality between the
configuration identifier and the consumer system. For example, if
major and minor revisions are used, a match may only require
equality of the major revision. Alternatively, the configuration
identifier of a navigation object may match all consumer
configurations. Configuration identifiers potentially may include
expressions with wildcard characters for matching one or more
characters, numeric operators for determining the matching
conditions, and the like. If no match occurs, returning to block
422 retrieves the next navigation object.
[0072] Retrieving a content identifier (412), selecting navigation
objects (414), retrieving a navigation object (422), and
determining whether the configuration identifier matches the
consumer system configuration (424) have been enclosed within a
dashed line to indicate that they are all examples of acts that may
occur within a step for providing an object store having navigation
objects.
[0073] With a navigation object identified, the decoders begin
decoding the multimedia content (432) received from the DVD. Once
decoded, the content is transferred (434) to the output device
where in can be played for a consumer. While decoding the
multimedia content, the position code is updated continuously
(436). The acts of decoding (432), transferring (434), and
continuously updating the position code (436) have been enclosed in
a dashed line to indicate that they are examples of acts that are
included within a step for using a decoder to determine when
multimedia content is within a navigation object (430).
[0074] A step for filtering multimedia content (440) includes the
acts of comparing the updated position code to the navigation
object identified in block 422 to determine if the updated position
code lies within the navigation object and the act of activating an
filtering action (444) when appropriate. If the updated position
code is not within the navigation object, decoding continues at
block 432. But if the updated position code is within the
navigation object, the filtering action is activated (444).
Following activation of the filtering action, the next navigation
object is retrieved at block 422.
[0075] Using the navigation object illustrated in FIG. 4B, the
method of FIG. 4A will be described in greater detail. The
navigation object is retrieved in block 422 and passes the
configuration match test of block 424. After the multimedia content
is decoded at block 432 and transferred to the output device at
block 434, the position code is updated at block 436. P4.sub.1
corresponds to the updated position code. Because P4.sub.1 is not
within the start and stop positions (491 and 493), more multimedia
content is decoded (432), transferred to the output device (434),
and the position code is updated again (436).
[0076] The updated position code is now P4.sub.2. P4.sub.2 also
marks the beginning of the navigation object portion 490 of the
multimedia content defined by the start and stop positions (491 and
493) of the navigation object. The video filtering action, skip 495
is activated in block 444. Activating the video filtering action
sends a command to the decoder to discontinue decoding immediately
and resume decoding at stop position 493. The content shown between
P4.sub.2 and P4.sub.6 is skipped. Following the skip, the next
navigation object is retrieved at block 422 and the acts describe
above are repeated.
[0077] Abruptly discontinuing and resuming the decoding may lead to
noticeable artifacts that detract from the experience intended by
the multimedia content. To diminish the potential for artifacts,
filtering actions may be incrementally activated or separate
incremental filtering action may be used. For example, a fade out
(e.g., normal to blank display) filtering action may precede a skip
filtering action and a fade in (e.g., blank to normal display)
filtering action may follow a skip filtering action. Alternatively,
the fading out and fading in may be included as part of the skip
filtering acting itself, with the start and stop positions being
adjusted accordingly. The length of fade out and fade in may be set
explicitly or use an appropriately determined default value.
Incremental filtering actions need not be limited to a specific
amount of change, such as normal to blank display, but rather
should be interpreted to include any given change, such as normal
to one-half intensity, over some interval. Furthermore, incremental
filtering actions may be used to adjust virtually any
characteristic of multimedia content.
[0078] Where multimedia content includes visual information being
presented to a viewer, it is possible that unsuitable material may
be localized to only a certain physical area of the scene as it is
presented. In these cases one or more navigation objects with
reframe filtering actions may be appropriate. The entire scene need
not be skipped because the viewing frame may be positioned to avoid
showing the unsuitable material and the remaining content may be
enlarged to provide a full-size display. By continually adjusting
the framing and sizing of multimedia content during a scene, the
unsuitable material is effectively cropped from view.
[0079] Each reframe navigation object is capable of performing a
number of reframe/resize actions, including the ability to reframe
and resize on a frame-by-frame basis. Therefore, the number of
reframe navigation objects used in cropping a particular scene
depends on a variety of factors, including how the scene changes
with time. A single navigation object may be sufficient to filter a
relatively static scene, whereas more dynamic scenes will likely
require multiple navigation objects. For example, one navigation
object may be adequate to reframe a scene showing an essentially
static, full-body, view of a person with a severe leg wound to a
scene that includes only the person's head and torso. However, for
more dynamic scenes, such as a scene where the person with the
severe leg wound is involved in a violent struggle or altercation
with another person, multiple reframe navigation objects may be
required for improved results.
[0080] Positions P4.sub.1, P4.sub.2, P4.sub.3, P4.sub.4, P4.sub.5,
P4.sub.6, and P4.sub.7 are separated by the update interval. Those
of skill in the art will recognize that a shorter update interval
will allow for more precise filtering. For example, if start 491
were shortly after position P4.sub.2, multimedia decoding and
output would continue until position P4.sub.3, showing nearly 1/4
of the multimedia content that was to be filtered. With an update
interval occurring ten times each second, only a minimal amount of
multimedia content that should be filtered (e.g., less than
{fraction (1/10)}th of a second) will be displayed at the output
device. As has been implied by the description of configuration
identifier 499, it is reasonable to expect some variability in
consumer systems and the invention should not be interpreted as
requiring exact precision in filtering multimedia content.
Variations on the order of a few seconds may be tolerated and
accounted for by expanding the portion of content defined by a
navigation object, although the variations will reduce the quality
of filtering as perceived by a consumer because scenes may be
terminated prior to being completely displayed.
[0081] The differences enclosed in parentheses for server operation
are relatively minor and those of skill in the art will recognize
that a consumer and server may cooperate, each performing a portion
of the processing that is needed. FIG. 3B provides an exemplary
system where processing is shared between a server system and a
consumer system. Nevertheless, the following will describe the
processing as it would occur at a server system, similar to the one
shown in FIG. 3C, but with only the output device located at the
consumer system.
[0082] At block 412, the server receives the DVD title identifier
so that the proper navigation objects can be selected in block 414.
The server receives a fee from the consumer system, in block 416,
for allowing the consumer system access to the navigation objects.
The fee may be a subscription for a particular time period, a
specific number of accesses, etc. The first navigation object for
the DVD title identified at 412 is retrieved in block 422 and
checked for a configuration match in block 424. Because the
configuration match is checked at the server, the consumer system
supplies its configuration information or identifier. As described
above, receiving a content identifier (412), selecting navigation
objects (414), receiving a fee (416), retrieving a navigation
object (422), and determining whether the configuration identifier
matches the consumer system configuration (424) have been enclosed
within a dashed line to indicate that they are all examples of acts
that may occur within a step for the server system providing an
object store having navigation objects.
[0083] Decoding the multimedia content (432) may occur at either
the consumer system or the server system. However, sending decoded
multimedia from a server system to a consumer system requires
substantial communication bandwidth. At block 434, the multimedia
content is transferred to the output device. The server system then
queries (436) the client system decoder to update the position
code. Alternatively, if the decoding occurred at the server system,
the position code may be updated (436) without making a request to
the consumer system. The acts of decoding (432), transferring
(434), and continuously updating or querying for the position code
(436) have been enclosed in a dashed line to indicate that they are
examples of acts that are included within a step for the server
system using a decoder to determine when multimedia content is
within a navigation object (430).
[0084] The server system performing a step for filtering multimedia
content (440) includes the acts of (i) comparing the updated
position code to the navigation object identified in block 422 to
determine if the updated position code lies within the navigation
object, and (ii) activating or sending an filtering action (444) at
the proper time. Decoding continues at block 432 for updated
position codes that are not within the navigation object.
Otherwise, the filtering action is activated or sent (444) for
updated position codes within the navigation object. Activating
occurs when the decoder is located at the consumer system, but if
the decoder is located at the consumer system, the filtering action
must be sent to the consumer system for processing. The next
navigation object is retrieved at block 422 following activation of
the filtering action, and processing continues as described above.
The analysis of FIG. 4B will not be repeated for a server system
because the server operation is substantially identical to the
description provided above for a consumer system.
[0085] FIG. 5A illustrates a sample method for filtering audio
content, possibly included with video content, according to the
present invention. The steps for providing 510 and using 530,
including the acts shown in processing blocks 512, 514, 516, 522,
524, 532, 534, and 536 are virtually identical to the corresponding
steps and acts described with reference to FIGS. 4A. Therefore, the
description of FIG. 5A begins with a step for filtering (540)
multimedia content.
[0086] Decision block 542 determines if an updated or queried
position code (536) is within the navigation object identified in
blocks 522 and 524. If so, decision block 552 determines whether or
not an filtering action is active. For portions of multimedia
content within a navigation object where the filtering action is
active or has been sent (in the case of server systems), decoding
can continue at block 532. If the filtering action is not active or
has not been sent, block 544 activates or sends the filtering
action and then continues decoding at block 532.
[0087] If decision block 542 determines that the updated or queried
position code (536) is not within the navigation object, decision
block 556 determines whether or not an filtering action is active
or has been sent. If no filtering action is active or has been
sent, decoding continues at block 532. However, if an filtering
action has been activated or sent and the updated position code is
no longer within the navigation object, block 546 activates or
sends and end action and continues by identifying the next
navigation object in blocks 522 and 524.
[0088] In general, some filtering may be accomplished with one
action, like the video action of FIG. 4B, while others require
ongoing actions, like the audio action of FIG. 5B. The mocked-up
position codes and audio navigation object shown in FIG. 5B help
explain the differences between single action filtering of
multimedia content and continuous or ongoing filtering of
multimedia content. Content positions 580 identify various
positions, labeled P5.sub.1, P5.sub.2, P5.sub.3, P5.sub.4,
P5.sub.5, P5.sub.6, and P5.sub.7, that are associated with the
multimedia content. The navigation object portion 590 of the
content begins at start 591 (P5.sub.2) and ends at stop 593
(P5.sub.6). Mute 595 is the filtering action assigned to the
navigation object and "F" word 597 is a text description of the
navigation object portion 590 of the multimedia content. Like
configuration 499 of FIG. 4B, configuration 599 identifies the
hardware and software configuration of a consumer system to which
the navigation object applies.
[0089] After the multimedia content is decoded at block 532 and
transferred to the output device at block 534, the position code is
updated at block 536. P5.sub.1 corresponds to the updated position
code. Because P5.sub.1 is not within (542) the start position 591
and stop position 593 and no filtering action is active or sent
(556), more multimedia content is decoded (532), transferred to the
output device (534), and the position code is updated again
(536).
[0090] The updated position code is now P5.sub.2. P5.sub.2 also
marks the beginning of the navigation object portion 590 of the
multimedia content defined by the start and stop positions (591 and
593) of the navigation object, as determined in decision block 542.
Because not action is active or sent, decision block 552 continues
by activating or sending (544) the filtering action assigned to the
navigation object to mute audio content, and once again, content is
decoded (532), transferred to the output device (534), and the
position code is updated or queried (536).
[0091] Muting, in its most simple form, involves setting the volume
level of the audio content to be inaudible. Therefore, a mute
command may be sent to the output device without using the
decoders. Alternatively, a mute command sent to the decoder may
eliminate or suppress the audio content. Those of skill in the art
will recognize that audio content may include one or more channels
and that muting may apply to one or more of those channels.
[0092] Now, the updated or queried position code (536) is P5.sub.3.
Decision block 542 determines that the updated or queried position
code (536) is within the navigation object, but an filtering action
is active or has been sent (552), so block 532 decodes content,
block 524 transfers content to the output device, and block 536
updates or queries the position code. The audio content continues
to be decoded and the muting action continues to be activated.
[0093] At this point, the updated or queried position code (536) is
P5.sub.4. Now decision block 542 determines that the updated or
queried position code (536) is no longer within the navigation
object, but decision block 556 indicates that the muting action is
active or has been sent. Block 546 activates or sends and end
action to end the muting of the audio content and the decoding
continues at block 532. For DVD content, the result would be that
the video content is played at the output device, but the portion
of the audio content containing an obscenity, as defined by the
navigation object, is filtered out and not played at the output
device.
[0094] Abruptly altering multimedia content may lead to noticeable
artifacts that detract from the experience intended by the
multimedia content. To diminish the potential for artifacts,
filtering actions may be incrementally activated or separate
incremental filtering action may be used. For example, a fade out
(e.g., normal to no volume) filtering action may precede a mute
filtering action and a fade in (e.g., no volume to normal)
filtering action may follow a mute filtering action. Alternatively,
the fading out and fading in may be included as part of the mute
filtering acting itself, with the start and stop positions being
adjusted accordingly. The length of fade out and fade in may be set
explicitly or use an appropriately determined default value.
Incremental filtering actions are not limited to any particular
amount of change, such as normal to no volume, but rather should be
interpreted to include any change, such as normal to one-half
volume, over some interval. Furthermore, incremental filtering
actions may adjust virtually any characteristic of multimedia
content.
[0095] Like the method shown in FIG. 4A, the method shown in FIG.
5A may be practiced at both client systems and server system.
However, the methods will not be described in a server system
because the distinctions between a consumer system and a server
system have been adequately identified in the description of FIGS.
4A and 4B.
[0096] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method used in
customizing the filtering of multimedia content. At block 610, a
password is received to authorize disabling the navigation objects.
A representation of the navigation objects is displayed on or sent
to (for server systems) the consumer system in block 620. Next, as
shown in block 630, a response is received that identifies any
navigation objects to disable and, in block 640, the identified
navigation objects are disabled.
[0097] Navigation objects may be disabled by including an
indication within the navigation objects that they should not be
part of the filtering process. The act of retrieving navigation
objects, as shown in blocks 422 and 522 of FIGS. 4A and 5A, may
ignore navigation objects that have been marked as disabled so they
are not retrieved. Alternatively, a separate act could be performed
to eliminate disabled navigation objects from being used in
filtering multimedia content.
[0098] The acts of receiving a password (610), displaying or
sending a representation of the navigation objects (620), receiving
a response identifying navigation objects to disable (630), and
disabling navigation objects (640), have been enclosed in a dashed
line to indicate that they are examples of acts that are included
within a step for deactivating navigation objects (660). As with
the exemplary methods previously described, deactivating navigation
objects may be practiced in either a consumer system or a server
system.
[0099] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method for assisting a
consumer system in automatically identifying and filtering portions
of multimedia content. A step for providing an object store (710)
includes the acts of creating navigation objects (712), creating an
object store (714), and placing the navigation objects in the
object store 716. A step for providing navigation objects (720)
follows. The step for providing navigation objects (720) includes
the acts of receiving a content identifier (722), such as a title,
and receiving a request for the corresponding navigation objects
(726).
[0100] In the step for charging (730) for access to the navigation
objects, block 732 identifies the act of determining if a user has
an established account. For example, if a user is a current
subscriber then no charge occurs. Alternatively, the charge could
be taken from a prepaid account without prompting the user (not
shown). If no established account exists, the user is prompted for
the fee, such as entering a credit card number or some other form
of electronic currency, at block 734 and the fee is received at
block 736. A step for providing navigation objects (740) follows
that includes the act of retrieving the navigation objects (742)
and sending the navigation objects to the consumer system (744).
The act of downloading free navigation software that makes use of
the navigation objects also may be included an inducement for the
fee-based service of accessing navigation objects.
[0101] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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